West Hollywood: Eclectic lineup of authors to read at Sunset Marquis

Author Matthew Specktor leads the Read@SunsetMarquis series of readings and talks at the Sunset Marquis in West Hollywood. (Mark Thompson)

The Sunset Marquis in West Hollywood will add something new to its fancy pool deck this fall: writers.

The hotel has planned four Sunday salons at which guests and the public can come for readings and conversations with popular authors.

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Read@SunsetMarquis events organized with the Agency Group are free and a lovely way to spend a day at the hotel's gardens and pool (no swimming, though). The hotel at 1200 Alta Loma Road has played host to rock 'n' roll stars since it opened in 1963 and says on its website that it also has served as a "peaceful retreat" for writers.

First up is Matthew Specktor, founding editor of the Los Angeles Review of Books, who kicks off the series Sept. 7 with a very Hollywood story. He'll be discussing "American Dream Machine," his book about fictional Hollywood talent agencies from the '60s and '70s and the power struggles that ensue.

Asa Akira on Oct. 5 will discuss her memoir, "Insatiable: Porn — A Love Story," which details her adult film acting career. (Earlier this year the New York Post titled a story about Akira "From prep-school kid to millionaire porn star" and reported her net worth at more than $1.5 million).

Kara Cooney, an assistant professor of Egyptian art and architecture at UCLA, will appear Nov. 2 to talk about "The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut's Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt."

And on Dec. 7, Chef Eddie Huang talks about his journey from immigrant son to lawyer to comedian to chef of Taiwanese bun shop BaoHaus in "Fresh Off the Boat — a Memoir."